How Much Do You Know About Stinging Insects?

Only about 1 in 20 Americans are allergic to bee and wasp stings. For most people, a bee or other insect sting will cause pain, redness, and swelling at the site of the sting, but nothing more.

These bumps are called hives and are a sign of an allergic reaction. A nonallergic reaction to a sting includes pain, swelling, and some redness at the sting site. A serious allergic reaction to a sting includes flushing and swelling of the face, tongue, and throat, with trouble breathing. You should call 911right away if you or someone you know has trouble breathing; swelling across a large area of skin; dizziness; tightness in the throat or chest; nausea or vomiting, or collapses to the ground. Bee stings can be fatal to severely allergic people. If you are stung in the mouth, get medical help right away even if you are not allergic to a sting. This is because the area could swell and make it hard to breathe.

The majority of insect stings are caused by yellow jackets, according to the CDC. Yellow jackets are a type of wasp. But they are often mistaken for a honeybee because they are yellow and black. These wasps build their nests in the ground or in low-growing shrubs. Other insects that can sting include hornets, other types of wasps, and fire ants. Scorpions, a kind of arachnid that lives in the Southwestern U.S., also sting.

You should try to remove the stinger as quickly as possible to limit the amount of venom that will enter your body, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Don't try to pull it out or squeeze it to remove it. Instead, find the stinger by looking for a black dot in the center of the sting area. Then use gauze to wipe over the area. Or use a credit card or your fingernail to gently scrape the stinger out. This will stop more venom or poison from being released. Don't scratch the sting. This could raise your risk for infection. People who are allergic should be given epinephrine immediately. Do this even if the person has mild symptoms. After injecting the epinephrine, call 911 and ask for an ambulance that carries epinephrine. If symptoms get worse, continue. or do not get better, a second dose might be needed.

After removing the stinger, wash the sting site gently with soap and water. Then apply the paste and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Or you can apply a cold compress, meat tenderizer, or ice to the sting site. If possible, raise the sting site to help ease swelling and pain.

Bees are attracted to bright-colored clothing. To help prevent stings, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and closed-toe shoes. Don’t wear perfume or other scented products. At picnics or barbecues, keep all food covered. Watch open soda cans, because bees can fly inside. Move slowly around bees. Any sudden movements may cause them to sting.

This might reduce the number of bees in your garden. But many other stinging insects are attracted to flowers and other plants.

Insect repellents, including those containing DEET, have no effect on bees, hornets, or wasps. Use a repellent to keep away mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, chiggers, or biting flies.

Wasps, as well as bees and hornets, sting when they are threatened. They often sting to protect their nest. Don't make sudden movements when they are flying near you to prevent being stung.

You should get away as quickly as possible, particularly if a bee has stung you. A honeybee's sting releases an alarm and the other bees from the hive are more likely to sting you.